The Present God

Forty years Joshua had followed Moses. Through it all, Moses had been there. He was Josua's leader, his encourager, his friend. They had faced great obstacles, but Joahua always had his rock Moses, to lean on. Finally they had arrived at the edge of the Promised Lamd, where the greatest challenges lie ahead, but Moses was no longer with him. Moses, who had led Israel and mentored Joshua, was dead. What now, how could he do this alone?

Maybe you're there right now. You began a family, made plans for the future but that someone you depended on is gone. You are single again, either by death or divorce. In either case, he or she is not there to provide the love and support you so desperately miss. You were a couple, raising children together, now you're a single parent, not sure how you're going to do it. You may be a young person who has lost a parent, whose presence alone gave you strength and now there's no one to pick up the phone when you call.

Whoever this rock might have been.and regardless of how you lost him/her, your rock is gone and you miss him/her terribly - you feel so alone. You just don't know how you're going to make it. If this is not you, read on anway - it will be you. And it could be you again.

Moses was gone. His presence would be missed. But Joshua was not alone. The plan to enter and take possession of the Promised Land would be carried in Moses' absence because of His presence. God assured Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will never leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous" (Josh 1:5, 6).  No, Moses would not be there in the flesh but yes, the God who walked with Moses would be there in the Spirit.

The same Spirit that was with Moses and Joshua - the same Spirit that gave life to your loved one, promises to walk with you: "I will never leave you as orphans. I will come to you" (John14:18).  You only need to receive Him.  When you "come near to God, He will come near to you" (Jas 4:8).

You will always miss that rock you loved and depended on but you can more than make it when you trust in the Rock - the One who will never leave you.

Jus' Sayn.